Respiratory care
-
Multidisciplinary tracheostomy teams have been successful in improving operative outcomes; however, limited data exist on their effect on postoperative care. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary tracheostomy service alone and following implementation of a post-tracheostomy care bundle on rates of decannulation and tolerance of oral diet before discharge. ⋯ The addition of a post-tracheostomy care bundle to a multidisciplinary tracheostomy service significantly improved rates of decannulation and tolerance of oral diet.
-
Comparative Study
Stability and Agreement of a Microtransducer and an Air-Filled Balloon Esophageal Catheter in the Monitoring of Esophageal Pressure.
The use of esophageal catheters with microtransducer promises advantages over traditional catheters with air-filled balloons. However, performance comparisons between these 2 types of catheters are scarce and incomplete. ⋯ The catheter with the microtransducer had a small baseline pressure drift, similar to the air-filled balloon catheter. The low agreement between the catheters does not allow the microtransducer catheter to be used as a surrogate for the traditional air-filled balloon catheter.
-
Computerized respiratory sounds are a simple and noninvasive measure to assess lung function. Nevertheless, their potential to detect changes after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is unknown and needs clarification if respiratory acoustics are to be used in clinical practice. Thus, this study investigated the short- and mid-term effects of PR on computerized respiratory sounds in subjects with COPD. ⋯ Computerized respiratory sounds were sensitive to short- and mid-term effects of PR in subjects with COPD. These findings are encouraging for the clinical use of respiratory acoustics. Future research is needed to strengthen these findings and explore the potential of computerized respiratory sounds to assess the effectiveness of other clinical interventions in COPD.
-
The 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines for single-breath diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) recommend a weekly biological control test and/or DLCO simulator to detect instrument error drift. Very little has been published regarding the results of such a quality assurance program. Our aim was to analyze the long-term stability of a portable DLCO instrument. ⋯ Measurements of DLCO were stable over the 3-y period without any need for manual recalibration of the instrument. The biological control was as good as the DLCO simulator to evaluate this kind of device in a long-term laboratory quality control program.
-
Observational Study
Physical and Functional Impairment During and After Hospitalization in Subjects With Severe COPD Exacerbation.
COPD exacerbations are frequent events that have a negative impact on the lives of patients. The aims of this study were to analyze physical and functional impairment during hospital stay in subjects hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation and to assess the physical and functional impact of hospitalization at a 1-month follow-up in patients with severe COPD. ⋯ Hospitalization due to COPD exacerbation leads to physical and functional impairment in patients; impairment is greater at 1-month follow-up. It would be interesting to conduct physical therapy interventions to prevent the impairment.